Covid impact: Weather forecasts hit turbulence on grounded jets

May 9, 2020

New Delhi: Global weather forecasting systems have hit an air pocket as they depend on crucial data on wind, humidity and temperature relayed by aircraft sensors, which have almost vanished as an overwhelming majority of flights have been grounded.

Indian scientists say they are managing without aircraft data, but the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says it is concerned about the quality of forecasts as meteorological information from aeroplanes has fallen up to 90%. Further, lockdowns have hit even surface data collection in developing countries where ground stations are not automated.

Global forecasters are using data from automated stations and satellites, but even this would face challenges if the pandemic lingers and prevents repair and maintenance. “National Meteorological and Hydrological Services continue to perform their essential 24/7 functions but are facing increasingly severe challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, especially in developing countries,” said WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas.

So far, Indian forecasting has not suffered, ministry of earth sciences secretary M Rajeevan said. “The long-range forecasts, which include predictions about the monsoon, will not be affected. For short-range forecasts, we have not yet encountered any issues,” Rajeevan told ET.

The WMO, an agency of the UN, said meteorological measurements taken by aircraft have plummeted 75-80%. In the southern hemisphere, it is worse, with nearly 90% of data now missing.

ETD-1-09052020

Aircraft Transmit 800k Observations A Day

Aircraft sensors transmit over 800,000 observations a day used for public weather forecasting, climate monitoring and prediction, early warning systems for weather hazards and predictions to support the aviation industry itself.

Thousands of aircraft from 43 airlines contribute observations under the WMO Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) programme that uses onboard sensors, computers and communications systems to automatically collect, process, format and transmit meteorological observations to ground stations via satellite or radio links. Rajeevan said the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had shifted its focus to early warning services to help alert people about extreme weather conditions that can pose danger to life and property.

The WMO has a similar advice for forecasters. “It is essential that governments pay attention to their national early warning and weather observing capacities,” said Taalas.

The IMD has already made its most important forecast for the year — about the monsoon, which it said would be normal. Of the 200-odd weather observatories in the country, the IMD is keeping only 20 stations functional. A lot of the observatories, such as the ones monitoring the oceans and air, are automated and thus functioning normally.

TL

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT

Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.